More Bus Bournemouth Air Festival organisers have announced The Matadors as the latest aircraft to be displaying at this years most anticipated summer event.

Regarded as one of the UK’s most dynamic aerobatic teams, The Matadors are set to amaze, impress and wow Air Festival crowds. Internationally renowned and in worldwide demand, the team only fly at a small number of UK air shows each year; and with pilots Paul Bonhomme and Steve Jones, considered to be two of the best in the world, at the helm festival-goers can be sure of some incredible sky-high action.

Steve Jones said; “After last years success there was a real buzz about Bournemouth on the air display circuit. We are incredibly pleased to be part of this summer’s event and are ready to bring some Matador action to the south coast!”

The Matadors display is designed to demonstrate the truly remarkable performance of the Sukhoi 26. The two pilots fly their aircraft in a variety of formation patterns, which include some extreme manoeuvres such as ‘the crossovers’, where Paul and Steve fly towards each other at a combined speed of 400mph.

Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director said; “We are delighted to announce The Matadors participation at the event, adding to our already impressive daytime line-up. The team only display at a few events each year so it is great news that Bournemouth is one of them.”

Taking place 20th – 23rd August, crowds will be in for a heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping 4-days this year, with the incredible Eurofighter Typhoon, Team Guinot Wingwalkers, Yakovlevs and Black Cats Helicopter Display team all set to perform.

For more information visit www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Wounded servicemen and women are set to gain a major boost from Southend Festival of the Air 2009.

An organisation called Help for Heroes – which supports those wounded while serving their country – has been chosen as the Festival’s official charity.

Badged official collectors will circulate among the seafront crowds at the Festival on Sunday 24th May and Monday 25th May.

There will also be a special stall selling memorabilia and promoting the work of Help for Heroes.

• Help for Heroes was launched in October 2007 to help members of the Armed Forces injured in the course of serving their country.
• It was borne out of an immense respect for the courage, humour and professionalism of the men and women of the Armed Forces who put their lives in danger, on a regular basis, on our behalf
• Help for Heroes has raised, on average, over £1 million per month to help our wounded – a total of more than £12 million committed or designated
• The majority of the money raised has been allocated for building much needed rehabilitation facilities.
• Much of this money comes from fundraising events organised by people across the country
• Help for Heroes supports other service charities, and aims to supplement the available facilities and care so those in rehabilitation get the very best facilities and treatment in order to recover from their injuries and rebuild their careers.
• It benefits members of the Royal Navy, Army and RAF
• More details are available from http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Regeneration, Councillor John Lamb says: “We are very pleased that Help for Heroes is the official charity for Southend Festival of the Air 2009.”

At all our previous Airshows we have always had an immense amount of loyal help from members the of the armed services, both airborne and on the ground, so we are delighted to try to give a little bit back by helping a charity which supports their wounded colleagues.

“We hope that as many people as possible will dig deep into their pockets and give as much as they can to this very worthy cause.”

Check out the latest details of Southend Festival of the Air 2009 on www.southendairshow.com

The first ever Airbourne Lift-Off Dinner takes place on 30 May and fans of the World’s biggest FREE seafront airshow are being encouraged to book quickly for the last remaining tickets.The Chatsworth Hotel will host a special Airbourne dinner evening on Saturday 30 May to celebrate the lead-up to the annual Eastbourne event, with proceeds to go towards the fighting fund to support Eastbourne Airshow.

With the final batch of tickets now available, airshow enthusiasts have only a couple of weeks to book their place at the packed evening, which will include an airshow-themed menu, Rat Pack entertainment from singer Tom Fitzpatrick, engaging guest speaker Group Captain Gordon Bruce and the opportunity to bid for exclusive RAF memorabilia in an after-dinner auction.

Director of Tourism for Eastbourne Borough Council, Norman Kinnish said “The Airbourne launch dinner is a great opportunity for airshow fans to really show their support for the 2009 event and enjoy an evening to remember. Guests can certainly look forward to an impressive evening and with tickets almost sold out; this really is the last chance to enjoy an exclusive dose of Airbourne action before the airshow in August.”

Organised by the Lions Hotel, owner Sheikh Abid Gulzar, is the first Eastbourne businessman to pledge his support for Airbourne, which returns to the town from 13-16 August this year.

Proceeds from the evening will be donated to Airbourne 2009 and contribute to the fighting fund to save the event’s future.

Tickets for the Airbourne lift-off dinner cost £40 per person and are available to book now, online from VisitEastbourne.com E-shop as well as from the Tourist Information Centre and Chatsworth Hotel. Guests can look forward to a scrumptious 5-course dinner, including themed courses such as ‘A fine display team’ for starters and ‘the final fly past’ for the finishing course of English and Continental Cheeses.

For more information on Airbourne visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk or telephone 0871 663 0031

Five veterans of the unique French Squadron’s that operated out of the WWII Bomber Command Station of RAF Elvington made a pilgrimage back to the former airbase, now the Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial, to mark the 65th Anniversary of the formation of their Squadrons. These Squadrons were formed around the remnants of the French Air Force, under the name of Groupes Lourds (Heavy Groups), flying near obsolete Leo 45 aircraft in missions alongside allied forces in North Africa against the Nazi Afrika Korps. Under the RAF designation of 346 Guyenne Squadron and 347 Tunisie Squadron, they were officially formed on 16th May and 20th June 1944 respectively.The visiting veterans, whose ages range from a ‘youthful’ 87 to a grand 91, have recently all taken part in the production of a French film documentary about their lives and loves in York and on the operations over Europe conducted from RAF Elvington. It will not be lost on many people that it is also the 65th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion, one of the greatest operations in military history, but what is often overlooked is the vital role played by the two French Squadrons of Bomber Command in this strike for liberty and victory.

346 Squadron was immediately drawn into the invasion operations and it’s first missions were on the night of 1st/2nd June 1944 in a raid on the strategically vital radar installations at Ferme d’Urville on the Normandy coast. This mission, involving aircraft from other Squadrons and locations, was led by Group Captain Leonard Cheshire (617 Squadron). Then on the night of 5th/6th June, 346 was involved in raids against the heavy German Gun Battery just outside the small fishing port at Grandcamp Maisy, on the western tip of what was designated as ‘Omaha’ Beach, for the landings. Operations also took place against the railway marshalling yards at Caen and St. Lo. One of the veterans attending, Louis Hervelin, 87, took part in these missions.

The success of these operations was crucial to the overall outcome of the battle ahead, but the anguish that those first French crews must have gone through in bombing their own homeland is revealed in the documentary, overcome by their determination to ‘kick the Nazi enemy out of their beloved homeland’.

346 Squadron was augmented by the formation of 347 Tunisie Squadron on 20th June, and from this point they together took the war to the Ruhr, known ironically as the ‘Happy Valley’ because of the immense danger from flak and fighter intervention, and the German industrial heartland.

Ian Reed, Museum Director, said, “These young men, far away from their homes and their families had the unenviable task of often bombing their own country, and 50% never made it home. They were brave men and well known throughout York. Their stories in this new film are exceptionally heart-warming, especially about the English people and we are pleased to welcome them “back to base” once again”.

All of these veterans are united in their admiration in respect for the way they were welcomed and received in England, despite the language barriers, being treated as one of the family in the network of homes operated by Friends of the French Volunteers, when taking leave in places as diverse as London, Leeds or Lossiemouth. Locally, they learned to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the English pubs and the dance halls in York and the surrounding area. This exuberance in the face of the hostility of the times amazed them, as public dancing had almost ceased in France from the onset of the war.

They were impressed by the spirit and organisation of the British people and the way the old and the young, all pulled together in one united objective, all focused around the major figure of the time, Winston Churchill. Something else they had never encountered were the WAAF’s, and other branches of the women’s services, and the many and varied roles they took part in maintaining aircraft and keeping the bases running efficiently. This they found simply incredible.

What is very important to these survivors is what they refer to as the English Hommage and the ceremonies that are organized each year to pay tribute to those that did not return. Louis Hervelin recalls the services in York that he has attended: “At the commemorative service in York that I have been to several times, four Officers of the Royal Air Force take the Book (of Remembrance), and show it to the congregation, and then they turn the page. It is called The Turning of the Page and then they put it back in its place. That is a real memory, it gets you right here! When the English clergyman explained to me, when I saw the names of my chums – they are all there! I left in tears.”

Similarly, Pierre Patalano notes, with a tear in his eye: “In Elvington (York) in the village there is a War Memorial dedicated to the French. Every year, the schoolchildren keep a day (Remembrance Sunday) to visit the Memorial … that’s all! What else can be added?!”

The veterans who took part in the trip to Elvington are:

Group Guyenne:

Louis Hervelin – 87. Radio Operator / Air Gunner. 32 missions. Took part in raids on Grandcamp Maisy Caen and St. Lo.

Lucien Mallia – 88. Air Gunner. 23 missions. Survived from aircraft being shot down on night of 3rd/4th March 1945 when in ‘Operation Gisella’, German fighters lay in wait above air bases as the bombers returned. Lucien’s Halifax was shot at on approach to Elvington, but was able to divert to Croft where attacked again but made crash landing. The Luftwaffe JU88 that initially attacked this Halifax over Elvington crashed nearby, making another strike at the airfield, becoming the last German aircraft to crash on British soil.

Group Tunisie:

André Guédez – 88. Air Gunner, 23 missions.

Pierre Patalno – 88. Air Gunner. 29 missions.

Hervé Vigny – 91. Air Gunner. 35 missions.

Of these veterans, two have not been back to Elvington since the end of the war – Pierre Patalano and Hervé Vigny. Both were overwhelmed by the experience.

Louis Hervelin and André Guédez have not visited since 13th September 1996, but Lucien Mallia is a more regular visitor, who has attended the Remembrance Day services over the past few years.

During the visit to the Yorkshire Air Museum, the veterans had the opportunity to go inside the unique restored Halifax bomber, the only complete example in the world and see their former crew positions, recalling many memories. They toured the Museum and the many exhibits housed in original wartime buildings, including the Control Tower and French Officers Mess display. They were also shown for the first time, the documentary that they have all contributed to.

The trip culminated with a Civic Reception with the Lord Mayor of York and the High Sherriff at the Mansion House, York.

In Bomber Command, losses were one in two. The French Squadrons themselves lost 216, comprising of 41 crews plus those killed on training, exercise and bomb loading. After hostilities had ceased, and patrolling missions ended, these two French Squadrons left Elvington in October 1945, for Bordeaux, Mérignac, with their Halifax bombers, to form the basis of the new, and current, French Air Force.

www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk

Excitement is mounting for the sensational Southend Festival of the Air 2009 on Sunday 24th May and Bank Holiday Monday 25th May.The finishing touches are now being added to the tremendous two-day event which offers enthralling spectacles in the air and on the ground. Both days feature fabulous flying displays starring the World Famous Red Arrows – and much much more besides.

Festival flying is set for take off at 1.50pm on Sunday 24th May when a terrific selection of aircraft roars above Southend seafront. First off the ground will be the Sar Role Demo, Mustang, B25 Mitchell, Royal Navy Black Cats Helicopter Display and the Team Guinot Wing Walkers.

From 3pm, the well-loved Battle of Britain Memorial Flight gives us a rare glimpse of our airborne heritage. These historic planes will be followed by the Matadors, Apache Helo, Hawk, Tutor and Gnat Pair.

Then the matchless Red Arrows take centre stage at 4pm performing a daring new display sequence for their first UK performance of the season.

Afterwards, the Swift Team and Typhoon will be put through their paces, before the day’s proceedings culminate in a magnificent parachute display from the RAF Falcons at 5pm.

On Monday 25th May the displays are due to begin at 2.30pm with the Swift Team and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Then the Red Arrows return with their head-turning, jaw-dropping manoeuvres to wow the crowds at 3pm, followed by the Royal Navy Black Cats Helicopter Display and the Wing Walkers.

From 4pm the Tutor, Mustang, B25 Mitchell, Gnat Pair and Matadors take flight. The finishing displays at Southend Festival of the Air 2009 at 5pm include the Apache Helo, Hawk, Typhoon and the RAF Falcons.

Throughout both days there will be a dazzling variety of ground entertainment with activities for all members of the family to see, enjoy and take part in. On offer will be: giant inflatables, flight simulators and a full arena programme throughout both afternoons. Entertainments include the Royal Marines Unarmed Combat, a fitness challenge where civilians take on the armed forces in the “Survival of the Fittest”, acrobats, singers, stilt walkers, dancers and even a robot!

Attractions along the seafront include: the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Town Show, a Charities Marquee, the RAF Town Show the Red Arrows Village and Meet the Pilots area, the Army Town Show and Music Roadshows from Southend Radio on Sunday and Essex FM on Monday. Hungry Festival goers will find refreshments to suit all tastes offered by the international range of cuisine from the catering concessions.

Councillor John Lamb, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism & Regeneration says: “Southend Festival of the Air 2009 is an unmissable extravaganza of entertainment and activities to captivate the whole family. We have thrilling aerobatic treats and ground-level delights where people can actually meet some of the pilots, test their nerve in flight simulators, see planes at close range, challenge their fitness against members of the armed forces, and experience a massive variety of other attractions.”

PLEASE NOTE: Flying programme times may vary. Check out the latest details of Southend Festival of the Air 2009 on www.southendairshow.com

Visitors to the World’s Biggest FREE Seafront Airshow will have four chances to see crowd favourite the Red Arrows in 2009 as the famous fast jets with their red, white and blue smoke formations will display on every day of Airbourne.

This year the iconic red jets will zoom through Eastbourne skies over the beautiful seafront setting on all four days of the seaside airshow entertaining crowds with their breathtaking loops and twists overhead. With Bournemouth only seeing three appearances from the Red Arrows, visitors to Eastbourne will not only be treated to four incredible flying formations but will also get a rare opportunity to greet the Reds arena-side on Saturday 15 August as they touch down in Eastbourne for a special ground appearance.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris said “The Red Arrows are a brilliant draw for any airshow but to have these world renowned jets on all four days is absolutely fantastic news and makes Eastbourne Airbourne the must see event of the summer. With Airbourne’s beautiful beach front setting and Eastbourne’s record sunshine hours, the event is the highlight of the resort’s calendar attracting thousands of visitors every year.”

Other displays confirmed for Airbourne 2009 when it returns from 13-16 August, include the F16, the US Fighting Falcon, plus the Eurofighter Typhoon making it a truly international event. With rival resort Bournemouth seeing a lack in international flying displays, Eastbourne is keen to uphold its reputation as the biggest international seafront airshow.

Visitors to Airbourne can also look forward to the welcome return of the Guinot Wingwalkers who amaze spectators with their daredevil displays, plus the Blades Aerobatic Formation Team, famous for flying at prestigious events including the Beckham’s pre-World Cup Party.

With plenty of entertainment on the ground too, including action-packed arena demonstrations, trade stands, children’s beach entertainment, full size replica aircraft and the chance to chat to the RAF Careers Team; Airbourne makes a packed day out for any visitor.

Plus with even more flying displays still to be added to the 2009 line up, Airbourne 2009 promises to be a bumper show, with plenty going on to keep everyone entertained all from the stunning setting of Eastbourne seafront.

For more information on Airbourne visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk or telephone 0871 663 0031.

On Wednesday 13th May members of the ‘601 Squadron Old Comrades Association’ will unveil a memorial plaque at the RAF Museum (formerly RAF Hendon), to recognise the long standing association between the two units.Prior to the Museum opening in 1972, the site was an active RAF station and home to amongst others, 601 (County of London) Squadron for a total of fifteen years. The sculpture celebrates the historic association of RAF Hendon and 601 Squadron as well as the bravery of its personnel and their importance to London.

601 Squadron was RAF Hendon’s longest serving squadron it also had the honour of being recognized as ‘the County of London’ Squadron. It fought in many theatres across WWII notably in North Africa and Italy. The squadron was also active in the Battle of Britain and the defence of London.

Aircraft flown by the squadron include Hawker Harts, Hurricanes and Spitfires. Nicknamed ‘the Millionaire Squadron’, its ranks include renowned pilots such as Roger Bushell (the driving force behind the Stalag Luft III ‘Great Escape’), Max Aitken, Stanislaw Skalski (Polish veteran of the Battles of France and Britain) and the legendary American, Billy Fiske whose Bentley will also be on display during the day.

The sculpture was designed by Sam Bofey and is being installed in the grounds of the Museum. 1.5 metres in height, it is represents the squadron’s crest with a bronze cast sword and wings resplendent on a plinth of stainless steel.

The unveiling ceremony will be attended by members of the squadron’s ‘Old Comrades Association’ with Air Marshal Ian Macfadyen (Head of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force) as lead speaker. The Deputy Mayor will also be speaking and representing the squadron’s long standing relationship with the city of London. Other notable attendees include Squadron Leader Iveson DFC of the Bomber Command Association and Jack Riddle, a squadron pilot during the Battle of Britain.

http://www.rafmuseum.org/

Fans of the World’s biggest FREE seafront airshow can upgrade their experience in 2009 with tickets to the Aviator Club, an exclusive hospitality package available at Airbourne.Visitors can now book for arena-side hospitality at Eastbourne’s airshow where guests will be treated to uninterrupted views of the flying line with a champagne welcome and three-course summer lunch. Airbourne enthusiasts can enjoy the best seats on the seafront as they sit back, relax and watch the dynamic flying formations overhead as well as get a front row seat to all of the arena action.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris said “The Aviator Club promises to make what’s already a great event, even better, with guests looked after all day as they enjoy the biggest international seafront airshow. With top displays already booked for 2009 including the Red Arrows, the Aviator Club makes a special day out for family and friends, or a top setting for wining and dining corporate clients, all from the beautiful location of Eastbourne seafront.”

The Red Arrows are set to zoom over Eastbourne skies on all four days this year when the airshow returns from 13-16 August meaning that any Aviator guest will be able to witness the fast jet spectacle.

With the Reds also set to make a stop off at the ground on the Saturday of Airbourne, guests booking for this day will also get the chance to meet the pilots as they greet visitors around the arena.

Guests booking for Friday 14 August will also receive an extended VIP experience until dusk, with an extended flying programme and entertainment into the evening.

The Aviator Club opens at 12 noon on each day of Airbourne, welcoming visitors with champagne and canapés before they tuck into their three-course lunches served with plenty of fine wine, Pimms and champagne.

Tickets for The Aviator Club start at just £50 and promise an action-packed day out with the added luxury of chilling out in the hospitality marquee, close to all of the flying teams.

To book tickets or receive a booking form contact Jayne Howard in the Events team on 01323 415442 or e-mail jayne.howard@eastbourne.gov.uk 

For more information about Airbourne 2009 telephone 0871 663 0031 or visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk

Following a Yorkshire Air Museum initiative, Doncaster Racecourse, Yorkshire Forward, and Welcome To Yorkshire have joined forces with the Museum to mark the Centenary of Britain’s first ever air show. An Education & Skills Day, exhibition and Edwardian Race Day event will celebrate this unique aspect of Yorkshire’s pioneering aviation heritage. This will take place on 2nd & 3rd July at the superbly redeveloped Doncaster Racecourse.Together with regional Business & Education Partnerships, we will be putting on a series of workshops that will reflect and celebrate Yorkshire & Humberside’s aviation and aerospace achievements and stimulate creativity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

Support from Yorkshire Forward has turned this concept into a reality and Yorkshire Air Museum will provide educational resource publications, Living History interpreters, archive film screenings, interactive displays, vehicles and artefacts, along with the provision of an exhibition detailing the colourful history of the intrepid airmen and their weird machines at this unique event at Doncaster. The Museum will also display its historic Wright Flyer, similar to those flown 100 years ago.

The two facets of the event will be the Education & Skills Day, on Thursday 2nd July, followed on Friday 3rd July by the public ‘Edwardian’ Race Day, with the exhibition providing an additional visitor attraction to the day’s horse racing.

Ian Reed, Museum Director, said: “Britain is the world’s second largest aerospace manufacturer. Aerospace is vital to our national economy and the idea behind this event is to create an annual skills opportunity showcase and celebration of Yorkshire’s incredible aviation heritage. Doncaster Racecourse provides a fantastic background to bring together various aviation industry organisations and education providers and create a new and exciting event that we hope will become an established part of the Yorkshire tourism calendar.”

New Welcome to Yorkshire Chief Executive, Gary Verity, offers his support:

“One hundred years ago Yorkshire made aeronautical history on the world stage. Today we are aiming for global recognition of Yorkshire as a major visitor destination. Attractions such as Yorkshire Air Museum and Doncaster Racecourse play a crucial role in enhancing the region’s tourism offer. Let me offer our best wishes for a successful summer that brings explorers, aviators and visitors alike from across the world to enjoy a raft of warm Yorkshire welcomes.”

www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk

Fans of the World’s biggest FREE seafront airshow are being invited to celebrate the launch of Airbourne 2009 in a brand new dinner evening organised by the Lion Hotels.Tickets to a lift-off dinner on Saturday 30 May are now on sale and guests can look forward to an airshow themed menu, with proceeds from the evening being used to support Eastbourne Airshow. Taking place at the Chatsworth Hotel, dinner guests can expect a packed evening including entertainment from Rat Pack singer Tom Fitzpatrick, very entertaining guest speaker Group Captain Gordon Bruce, and the chance to bid for RAF memorabilia in an exclusive auction.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris said “The Airbourne launch dinner is shaping up to be a very impressive evening with plenty to entice airshow enthusiasts along to celebrate Eastbourne’s biggest event. It’s brilliant that the Lion Hotels have come forward and organised an event to show their commitment to Airbourne and provide an opportunity for us to raise funds towards sustaining the airshow for the future.”

Sheikh Abid Gulzar, owner of the Lion Hotels group in Eastbourne, is the town’s first businessman to actively step forward and pledge his support for Airbourne, which takes place from 13-16 August 2009.

Sheikh Gulzar said: “We are fully supportive of the Airbourne event as this is extremely important to raising awareness of the resort. Many of our guests return year after year for the airshow and we sincerely wish it continues for many years to come.”

Attracting thousands of visitors every summer, Airbourne has become a highlight of Eastbourne’s summer and Eastbourne hotels are always full.

However, now in its 17th year, costs of staging the four day event are rising. Eastbourne Borough Council are keen to work with the local business community during 2009 to turn the airshow into a self-funding event to preserve its long term future.

Tickets for the Airbourne launch dinner cost £40 per person and in return guests can look forward to a scrumptious 5-course dinner, including themed courses such as ‘A fine display team’ with a choice of smoked salmon and prawns, salad leaves and walnut dressing, or tomato and basil soup for starters and ‘the final fly past’ for the finishing course of English and Continental Cheeses.

Proceeds from the evening will be donated to Airbourne 2009 and contribute to the fighting fund to save the event.

Tickets are on sale now from the Tourist Information Centre, E-shop at www.visiteastbourne.com and the Lion Hotels. To book from the hotel contact Sharron Winter on 01323 748710 or e-mail sharron@lionhotelsltd.co.uk .

For more information on Airbourne visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk or telephone 0871 663 0031.